LeahNChrisRogers
Recreation Vehicle
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We are very new to towing a 5th wheel. we have a Dodge 2500, and are towing a Komfort 5ver. We've experienced some jerking while driving and wondered if this was a normal experience or if we're encountering something new? Does anyone have any suggestions for us? We would welcome any information.
Thanks again
Leah & Chris
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SH
Lynden, WA
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Joined: 09/27/2006
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I would say some "chucking" is probably normal especially on rougher roads but there are ways to reduce or eliminate most of it. First, make sure you are towing level. Then you might try changing the way you load the fiver...maybe less weight up front and more in the rear or try it the other way around. There are expensive products you can buy that are said to help like a 5th Airborn Hitch or something like that!
Others will add some suggestions soon!
Best of Luck!
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msredneck84
Southeastern U S (habitually)
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Definetely more info needed. Most of us have probabably experienced just what you have but, you need to describe when it is happenning, is it a bump or dip in roadway or when taking off etc., etc.?
Drinking out of my saucer!
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craig7h
Marion, Iowa
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More than likely you are feeling the results of what is called "chucking". Its the back and forth motion and results of the timing between the trailer and truck. You can help the process in a few different ways. One is to try shifting some of the weight in the trailer, you may find less chucking if you have more or less fresh water on board. You can change out the king pin box with one designed to absorb the chucking movement. I ended up having to go that route with a 5th airbourn which took out most if not all the chucking.
Craig
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coachman05
Minnesota
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Chucking It might the most asked question that new 5th wheelers ask. Besides changing out the hitch on your 5er there really isn't much you can do about it. I've tried it with the camper empty, fully loaded, more weight in the back, more weight in the front, full of water, empty of water and nothing seems to work. The only other solution is once they fix the roads and make it smoother. Just have to remember which roads are the worse and try to avoid them if you can.
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Texas Flash
Livingston, TX
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On my prior 5th wheel we were able to dampen the chucking effect by putting some water in the fresh water tank. Just another variation of the adding weight suggestions above.
On our new 5th wheel I had a Mor/Ryde pinbox added. Worth the money in my opinion. But you may want to try weight distribution to see if you can make it a little more comfortable before spending money.
Mike and Marian
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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If the jerking is when you take off or stop, it's probably related to the hitch.
Try lubricating the hitch plates (Truck & Trailer), Kingpin and kingpin locking system (bar or clamp). Use a non-petroleum lube like silicone or also known as dry lube.
Or the hitch may need the play adjusted to hold the kinpin tighter.
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NEVERSWEAT7
Bakersfield, Ca. USA
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What are you using for a receiver hitch? I have the Sig Series 24K Reese. I have had it since 05 and have had zero problems. Doesn't mean go out and buy one nor am I suggesting it. The locking mechanism is a wrapping claw and there is no chukking noticed. My coach is somewhat heavy ...perhaps that has something to do with it.
Many folks have added their ideas and some even my ideas too. Try loading the front closer to GVW of truck.
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scheppman
Michigan
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I had an 05 Cardinal that I replaced the standard pin box with a 5th Airbourn. That helped. I traded the Cardinal in for a 09 HitchHiker Discover America which has the Demco pin box as standard equipment. I also added the Trail Air Air Ride Suspension. With this set up I have no chucking.
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sarman
Richmond, VA
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Demco GlideRide is the way to go IMO for the $$$. Very noticeable improvement.
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